Chip package with redistribution layers

ABSTRACT

A chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor substrate having an edge and a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor substrate. The chip package also includes a conductive line over the protective layer and the semiconductor substrate. The conductive line has a first portion and a second portion in direct contact with the first portion, and the second section at least partially covers the edge. In a top view of the conductive layer, line widths of the first portion and the second portion are different from each other.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/663,064, filed on Oct. 24, 2019, which is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/609,743, filed on May 31, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,461,060, issued Oct. 29, 2019, the entire of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) industry has experienced rapid growth. Continuing advances in semiconductor manufacturing processes have resulted in semiconductor devices with finer features and/or higher degrees of integration. Functional density (i.e., the number of interconnected devices per chip area) has generally increased while feature size (i.e., the smallest component that can be created using a fabrication process) has decreased. This scaling-down process generally provides benefits by increasing production efficiency and lowering associated costs.

A chip package not only provides protection for semiconductor devices from environmental contaminants, but also provides a connection interface for the semiconductor devices packaged therein. Smaller package structures, which utilize less area or are lower in height, have been developed to package the semiconductor devices.

New packaging technologies have been developed to further improve the density and functionalities of semiconductor dies. These relatively new types of packaging technologies for semiconductor dies face manufacturing challenges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It should be noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIGS. 1A-1J are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a partial top view of an intermediate stage of a process for forming a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a partial top view of an intermediate stage of a process for forming a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary top view of a conductive layer in a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a fragmentary top view of a conductive layer in a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be applied in 3D packaging or 3D IC devices. Other features and processes may also be included. For example, testing structures may be included to aid in the verification testing of the 3D packaging or 3DIC devices. The testing structures may include, for example, test pads formed in a redistribution layer or on a substrate that allows the testing of the 3D packaging or 3DIC, the use of probes and/or probe cards, and the like. The verification testing may be performed on intermediate structures as well as the final structure. Additionally, the structures and methods disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with testing methodologies that incorporate intermediate verification of known good dies to increase the yield and decrease costs.

Some embodiments of the disclosure are described. Additional operations can be provided before, during, and/or after the stages described in these embodiments. Some of the stages that are described can be replaced or eliminated for different embodiments. Additional features can be added to the semiconductor device structure. Some of the features described below can be replaced or eliminated for different embodiments. Although some embodiments are discussed with operations performed in a particular order, these operations may be performed in another logical order.

FIGS. 1A-1J are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1A, an adhesive layer 102 and a base layer 104 are deposited or laminated over a carrier substrate 100, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the carrier substrate 100 is used as a temporary support substrate. The carrier substrate 100 may be made of a semiconductor material, ceramic material, polymer material, metal material, another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carrier substrate 100 is a glass substrate. In some other embodiments, the carrier substrate 100 is a semiconductor substrate, such as a silicon wafer.

The adhesive layer 102 may be made of glue, or may be a lamination material, such as a foil. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 102 is photosensitive and is easily detached from the carrier substrate 100 by light irradiation. For example, shining ultra-violet (UV) light, infrared light, or laser light on the carrier substrate 100 is used to detach the adhesive layer 102. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 102 is a light-to-heat-conversion (LTHC) coating. In some other embodiments, the adhesive layer 102 is heat-sensitive. The adhesive layer 102 may be detached using a thermal operation.

In some embodiments, the base layer 104 is a polymer layer or a polymer-containing layer. The base layer 104 may be a polybenzoxazole (PBO) layer, a polyimide (PI) layer, a solder resist (SR) layer, an Ajinomoto buildup film (ABF), a die attach film (DAF), another suitable layer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the base layer 104 includes multiple sub-layers.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the base layer 104 is not formed.

Afterwards, a seed layer 106 is deposited over the base layer 104, as shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the seed layer 106 is made of a metal material. The metal material may be made of or include titanium (Ti), Ti alloy, copper (Cu), Cu alloy, another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some other embodiments, the seed layer 106 includes multiple sub-layers.

In some embodiments, the seed layer 106 is deposited using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process such as a sputtering process, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a spin-on process, another applicable process, or a combination thereof.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the seed layer 106 is not formed.

As shown in FIG. 1B, conductive structures including conductive structures 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D are formed, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the conductive structures 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D include conductive pillars. In some embodiments, each of the conductive structures 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D has a linear sidewall. In some embodiments, the linear sidewall is substantially perpendicular to a main surface of the base layer 104.

In some embodiments, a mask layer (not shown) is formed over the seed layer 106 to assist in the formation of the conductive structures 112A-112D. The mask layer has multiple openings that expose portions of the seed layer 106. The openings of the mask layer define positions where the conductive structures will be formed. In some embodiments, the mask layer is made of a photoresist material.

In some embodiments, the conductive structures 112A-112D are made of or include a metal material. The metal material may include Cu, Ti, gold (Au), cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conductive structures 112A-112D are made of or include a solder material. The solder material may include tin (Sn) and other metal elements. In some other embodiments, the conductive structures 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D are made of a metal material that does not include Sn.

In some embodiments, the conductive structures 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D are formed using a plating process utilizing the seed layer 106. The plating process may include an electroplating process, an electroless plating process, another applicable process, or a combination thereof.

However, many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the conductive structures 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D are formed using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, a spin-on process, another applicable process, or a combination thereof.

Afterwards, the mask layer is removed, and the portions of the seed layer 106 that are not covered by the conductive structures 112A-112D are removed, as shown in FIG. 1B in accordance with some embodiments. An etching process may be used to partially remove the seed layer 106. The conductive structures 112A-112D may function as an etching mask during the etching of the seed layer 106.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the seed layer 106 and/or the conductive structures 112A-112D are not formed.

As shown in FIG. 1C, semiconductor dies including semiconductor dies 122A and 122B are attached over the carrier substrate 100, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, back sides of the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B face the base layer 104 with front sides of the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B facing away therefrom. An adhesive film 120 may be used to affix the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B to the base layer 104. The adhesive film 120 may include a die attach film (DAF), a glue, or another suitable film.

Each of the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B may include a semiconductor substrate 114, a dielectric structure 116, and conductive elements 118 located at the front side thereof. The dielectric structure 116 may include multiple dielectric layers (not shown). The conductive elements 118 may be conductive pads, portions of conductive lines, or the like. In some embodiments, various device elements are formed in and/or on the semiconductor substrate 114.

Examples of the various device elements include transistors (e.g., metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET), complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors, bipolar junction transistors (BJT), high-voltage transistors, high-frequency transistors, p-channel and/or n-channel field effect transistors (PFETs/NFETs), etc.), diodes, or other suitable elements.

The device elements are interconnected to form integrated circuit devices through conductive features formed in the dielectric structure 116. The dielectric structure 116 may include multiple sub-layers. The conductive features may include multiple conductive lines, conductive contacts, and conductive vias. In some embodiments, electrical connections between the conductive elements 118 and the device elements are formed through the conductive features formed in the dielectric structure 116. In some embodiments, the conductive elements 118 are metal pads which may be made of aluminum or another suitable material.

The integrated circuit devices include logic devices, memory devices (e.g., static random access memories, SRAMs), radio frequency (RF) devices, input/output (I/O) devices, system-on-chip (SoC) devices, other applicable types of devices, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the semiconductor die 122A or 122B is a system-on-chip (SoC) chip that includes multiple functions.

In some other embodiments, the conductive elements 118 are conductive pillars that are electrically connected to conductive pads or conductive lines thereunder. A passivation layer such as a PBO layer or another suitable layer may be used to surround the conductive pillars. In some embodiments, the conductive pillars are copper pillars.

As shown in FIG. 1D, a protective layer 124 is formed over the carrier substrate 100 to surround the conductive structures 112A-112D and the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the protective layer 124 covers the sidewalls of the conductive structures 112A-112D and the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B. In some embodiments, the protective layer 124 is in direct contact with the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B. In some embodiments, an interface 125 is formed between the protective layer 124 and the semiconductor die 122A.

In some embodiments, the protective layer 124 includes a polymer material. In some embodiments, the protective layer 124 includes a molding compound material. The molding compound material may include a resin (such as an epoxy-based resin) with fillers dispersed therein. The molding compound material may include another suitable resin.

In some embodiments, the protective layer 124 is formed by injecting a molding compound material over the carrier substrate 100. In some embodiments, a transfer mold is used to assist in the formation of the protective layer 124. After or during the injecting of the molding compound material, the molding compound material does not cover the top surfaces of the conductive structures 112A-112D and/or the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B.

In some embodiments, a liquid molding compound material is disposed over the carrier substrate 100 to encapsulate or partially cover the conductive structures 112A-112D and the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B. The liquid molding compound material may be made of or include liquid state epoxy resin, liquid state epoxy acrylate, liquid state epoxy resin with filler, liquid state epoxy acrylate with filler, one or more other suitable liquid state materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a thermal process is then applied to harden the liquid molding compound material and to transform it into the protective layer 124. In some embodiments, the thermal process is performed at a temperature in a range from about 200 degrees C. to about 250 degrees C. The operation time of the thermal process may be in a range from about 0.5 hour to about 3 hours.

In some other embodiments, a liquid molding compound material is disposed over the carrier substrate 100 to cover the conductive structures 112A-112D and the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B. Afterwards, a thermal process is then applied to harden the liquid molding compound material and to transform it into the protective layer 124. A thinning process is then used to thin down the protective layer 124 until the conductive structures 112A-112D and/or the conductive elements 118 are exposed.

As shown in FIG. 1E, a dielectric layer 128 a is formed over the protective layer 124, the conductive structures 112A-112D, and the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 128 a is made of or includes one or more polymer materials or other suitable materials. The dielectric layer 128 a may be made of or include polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyimide (PI), silicon oxide, another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 128 a is formed using a spin coating process, a spray coating process, a CVD process, another applicable process, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1E, the dielectric layer 128 a is patterned to form multiple openings 129, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, some of the openings 129 correspondingly expose the conductive structures 112A-112D. In some embodiments, some of the openings 129 correspondingly expose the conductive elements 118 of the semiconductor dies 122A and 112B. In some embodiments, the openings 129 are formed using a photolithography process, a laser drilling process, an etching process, an energy beam writing process, another applicable process, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1F, multiple conductive layers (or redistribution layers) including conductive layers 130 a are formed over the dielectric layer 128 a, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the conductive layers 130 a are in direct contact with the dielectric layer 128 a. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 128 a is in direct contact with the protective layer. In some embodiments, the conductive layers 130 a are separated from the protective layer 124 by the dielectric layer 128 a.

In some embodiments, each of the conductive layers 130 a fills the corresponding opening 129. In some embodiments, each conductive structure 112A to 112D is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the conductive layers 130 a through a corresponding one of the openings 129. In some embodiments, each conductive feature 118 (such as a conductive pad) of the semiconductor die 122A is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the conductive layers 130 a through a corresponding one of the openings 129. In some embodiments, the conductive structure 112A is electrically connected to one of the conductive features 118 of the semiconductor die 122A through the corresponding one of the conductive layers 130 a.

In some embodiments, the conductive layers 130 a are made of or include a metal material. The metal material may include copper, aluminum, titanium, cobalt, gold, platinum, another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conductive layers 130 a are formed using an electroplating process, an electroless plating process, a PVD process, a CVD process, another applicable process, or a combination thereof. A pattern mask layer and an etching process may be used to pattern a conductive material layer such that the conductive layers 130 a with desired patterns are formed.

FIG. 2 is a partial top view of an intermediate stage of a process for forming a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 1F. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between one of the conductive layers 130 a and the interface 125 between the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124. For clarity, the dielectric layer 128 a between the conductive layer 130 a and the semiconductor die 122A (or the protective layer 124) is not shown in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the conductive layer 130 a has a first portion 131A and a second portion 131B, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the first portion 131A is closer to an inner portion 121 i of the semiconductor die 122A than the second portion 131B. In some embodiments, the second portion 131B has a greater line width than the first portion 131A. In some embodiments, the second portion 131B has a greater stress resistance than the first portion 131A. The second portion 131B may have a higher mechanical strength to sustain stress (such as thermal stress).

In some embodiments, the first portion 131A is in direct contact with the second portion 131B. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 130 a is electrically connected to one of the conductive elements 118, as shown in FIGS. 1F and 2. In some embodiments, the first portion 131A is between the second portion 131B and the conductive element 118. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 130 a has a portion filling one of the openings 129. The portion filling the opening may form a conductive via. The first portion 131A is electrically connected to the conductive element 118 of the semiconductor die 122A through the conductive via.

In some embodiments, the second portion 131B extends across the interface 125 between the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124. The first portion 131A does not extend across the interface 125. In these cases, the second portion 131B may also be referred to as an interface-crossing section. In some embodiments, the sizes and/or shapes of the first portion 131A and the second portion 131B are different from each other. In some embodiments, the first portion 131A and the second portion 131B are patterned from the same conductive layer. In some embodiments, the first portion 131A and the second portion 131B are made of the same material.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124 have different thermal expansion coefficients. As a result, high thermal stress may be generated near the interface 125 between the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124 during subsequent formation processes and/or operation of the final product. Therefore, the second portion 131B of the conductive layer 130 a that extends across the interface 125 may suffer higher thermal stress than the first portion 131A.

In some embodiments, because the second portion 131B is wider than the first portion 131A, the second portion 131B has a higher strength (or higher stress resistance) to sustain the higher thermal stress. The conductive layer 130 a is therefore prevented from being damaged or broken near the interface 125. The quality and reliability of the conductive layer 130 a are significantly improved.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion 131B has a line width W₂, and the first portion 131A has a line width W₁. The width W₂ is greater than the width W₁. In some embodiments, the line width W₁ is the average line width of the first portion 131A. In some embodiments, the line width W₂ is the average line width of the second portion 131B. In some embodiments, the second portion 131B has a substantially uniform line width.

In some embodiments, the line width ratio (W₁/W₂) of the first portion 131A to the second portion 131B is in a range from about 0.2 to about 0.8. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. The line width ratio (W₁/W₂) may be in a different range. In some other embodiments, the line width ratio (W₁/W₂) is in a range from about 0.3 to about 0.7. In some cases, if the line width ratio (W₁/W₂) is greater than about 0.8 (or 0.7), the line width W₂ might not be wide enough to sustain the high thermal stress. In some other cases, if the line width ratio (W₁/W₂) is lower than about 0.2 (or 0.3), the line width W₂ might be too wide, leading to short circuiting between two neighboring conductive layers. In some embodiments, the line width W₂ of the second portion 131B is in a range from about 10 μm to about 30 μm. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the line width W₂ is in a range from about 1 μm to about 50 μm.

As shown in FIG. 2, the semiconductor die 122A has a peripheral portion 121 p and the inner portion 121 i. The peripheral portion 121 p surrounds the inner portion 121 i. As shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral portion 121 p of the semiconductor die 122A, the interface 125, and a portion of the protective layer 124 adjacent to the interface 125 together form a die boundary region R (i.e., the area between the dashed lines in FIG. 2). The die boundary region R surrounds the inner portion 121 i of the semiconductor die 122A.

The die boundary region R may represent the positions where the conductive layer or conductive line may suffer higher thermal stress. In some embodiments, a portion of the second portion 131B of the conductive layer 130 a is positioned directly above the die boundary region R. In some embodiments, the entire second portion 131B is positioned directly above the die boundary region R. For example, the second portion 131B is formed on the portion of the dielectric layer 128 a that is directly on the die boundary region R. In some embodiments, the first portion 131A of the conductive layer 130 a is not positioned directly above the die boundary region R.

Because the portion of the conductive layer 130 a that is directly above the die boundary region R has a greater line width, the risk of line breakage of the conductive layer 130 a due to high thermal stress is significantly reduced. In some embodiments, the segment or portion of each of the conductive layers 130 extending across the interface 125 is wider than the first portion 131A. In some embodiments, there is no conductive line having a segment (or a portion) extending across the interface 125, being directly on the dielectric layer 128 a, and being as wide as or narrower than the first portion 131A of the conductive layer 130 a. In some embodiments, there is no conductive line that extends across the interface 125, that is directly on the dielectric layer 128 a, and that has an interface-crossing section as wide as or narrower than the first portion 131A of the conductive layer 130 a. Therefore, the risk of line breakage of the conductive layers 130 a is significantly reduced.

As shown in FIG. 2, an inner edge of the die boundary region R is separated from the interface 125 by a first distance a₁. For example, the distance a₁ is the minimum distance between the interface 125 and the inner edge of the die boundary region R. An outer edge of the die boundary region R is separated from the interface 125 by a second distance a₂. For example, the distance a₂ is the minimum distance between the interface 125 and the outer edge of the die boundary region R. In some embodiments, the distance a₁ is substantially equal to the distance a₂.

In some embodiments, the distance a₁ is in a range from about 25 μm to about 50 μm. In some other embodiments, the distance a₁ is in a range from about 10 μm to about 70 μm. As shown in FIG. 1F, the semiconductor die 122A has a width b. In some embodiments, the ratio (a₁/b) of the first distance a₁ to the width b of the semiconductor die 122A is in a range from about 0.025 to about 0.1. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the ratio (a₁/b) is in a range from about 0.01 to about 0.2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion 131B has a first part 131B₁ and a second part 131B₂. The first part 131B₁ is directly above the semiconductor die 122A. The second part 131B₂ is directly above the protective layer 124. In some embodiments, the length of the second part 131B₂ is equal to that of the first part 131B₁. In some other embodiments, the length of the second part 131B₂ is greater than that of the first part 131B₁.

In some embodiments, the conductive layer 130 a has a third portion 131C, as shown in FIG. 2. The second portion 131B is between the third portion 131C and the first portion 131A. The third portion 131C does not extend across the interface 125. In some embodiments, the third portion 131C is positioned outside of the die boundary region R. The third portion 131C has a line width W₃. In some embodiments, the third portion 131C has a substantially uniform line width. In some embodiments, the line width W₃ is an average line width of the third portion 131C. In some embodiments, the line width W₂ is greater than the line width W₃. In some other embodiments, the line widths W₂ and W₃ are the same. In some other embodiments, the line width W₃ is greater than the line width W₂.

In some embodiments, the line width of the first portion 131A adjacent to the second portion 131B becomes wider along a direction towards the second portion 131B. For example, the line width of the first portion increases from the width W₁ to be the width W₄. The width W₄ may gradually become greater along the direction towards the second portion 131B.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4B are fragmentary top views of a conductive layer in a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the second portion 131B has rounded corner portions C, as shown in FIG. 4A. In some other embodiments, an edge portion C′ of the second portion 131B adjacent to the first portion 131A is rounded, as shown in FIG. 4B.

As shown in FIG. 2, at least one part of the interface 125 extends along a first elongation direction d1 observed from a top view of the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124. The second portion 131B of the conductive layer 130 a extending across the part of the interface 125 extends along a second elongation direction d2. In some embodiments, the first elongation direction d1 is substantially perpendicular to the second elongation direction d2. In some other embodiments, the first elongation direction d1 is not perpendicular to the second elongation direction d2.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a partial top view of an intermediate stage of a process for forming a chip package, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 1F. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the conductive layers 130 a (including conductive layers 130 a′) and the interface 125 between the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124. For clarity, the dielectric layer 128 a between the conductive layer 130 a and the semiconductor die 122A (or the protective layer 124) is not shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, one of the conductive layers such as the conductive layer 130 a′ extends along an elongation direction d2′. Another part of the interface 125 may extend along an elongation direction d1′. In some embodiments, the elongation directions d1′ and d2′ are not perpendicular to each other.

In some embodiments, the conductive layer 130 a′ is electrically connected to one of the conductive elements 118 of the semiconductor die 122A. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the conductive layer 130 a′ is not electrically connected to the conductive elements 118 of the semiconductor die 122A.

In some embodiments, there is one (or more) conductive layer 402 over the dielectric layer 128 a. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 402 does not extend across the interface 125. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 402 is directly on the dielectric layer 128 a. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 402 has a first segment 403 a positioned directly above the die boundary region R and a second segment 403 b positioned outside of the die boundary region R. In some embodiments, the shortest distance a₃ between the segment 403 a and the interface 125 is shorter than the shortest distance a₁ between the first portion 131A of the conductive layer 130 a and the interface 125.

In some embodiments, the segment 403 a has a line width W₅. In some embodiments, the line width W₅ is less than the line width W₂ of the second portion 131B of the conductive layer 130 a. In some embodiments, the line width W₅ is equal to or less than the line width W₁ of the first portion 131A of the conductive layer 130 a.

Since the conductive layer 402 does not extend across the interface 125, the conductive layer 402 is prevented from thermal stress generated due to the different thermal expansion between the semiconductor die 122A and the protective layer 124. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is not necessary for the segment 403 a directly above the die boundary region R to have a greater line width.

Referring back to FIG. 1G, a dielectric layer 128 b is formed over the dielectric layer 128 a and the conductive layers 130 a, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the material and formation method of the dielectric layer 128 b is the same as or similar to those of the dielectric layer 128 a.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the dielectric layer 128 b is made of a different dielectric material than the dielectric layer 128 a. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 128 b is made of silicon oxide or the like using a deposition process, such as a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process.

Afterwards, multiple dielectric layers including a dielectric layer 128 c and a passivation layer 132 and multiple conductive layers including conductive layers 130 b and 130 c are formed, as shown in FIG. 1G in accordance with some embodiments. The material and formation method of the conductive layers 130 b and 130 c may be similar to or the same as those of the conductive layers 130 a. In some embodiments, conductive bumps 134 are formed. An under bump metallurgy (UBM) layer (not shown) may be formed between the conductive bumps 134 and the conductive layers 130 c.

As shown in FIG. 1G, the conductive layers 130 b or 130 c also have portions that extend across the interface 125. In some embodiments, the conductive layers 130 b or 130 c also have patterns similar to or the same as those of the conductive layer 130 a. The portions of the conductive layers 130 b and/or 130 c that are directly above the die boundary region R may be designed to be wider to sustain the thermal stress near the interface 125. Therefore, the quality and reliability of the conductive layers 130 b and 130 c are also improved.

Afterwards, the structure shown in FIG. 1G is placed upside down on a carrier tape 240, as shown in FIG. 1H in accordance with some embodiments. The carrier substrate 100 and adhesive layer 102 are removed, as shown in FIG. 1H. The carrier substrate 100 and adhesive layer 102 may be removed using a light irradiation operation, a thermal operation, another applicable operation, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1I, one or more elements 170 are stacked on or bonded onto the structure as shown in FIG. 1H. The element 170 may include another chip package, a semiconductor die, one or more passive devices, another suitable structure, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, multiple conductive bumps 142 are formed to establish electrical connections between the element 170 and the structure thereunder, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the conductive bumps 142 are made of or include a solder material. The solder material may include tin and other metal materials. In some embodiments, the conductive bumps 142 are made of or include copper, gold, aluminum, titanium, cobalt, platinum, another suitable material, or a combination thereof.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the elements 170 and/or the conductive bumps 142 are not formed or stacked.

Afterwards, a dicing process (or a cutting operation) is performed to separate the structure as shown in FIG. 1I into multiple chip packages, as shown in FIG. 1J in accordance with some embodiments. As a result, a chip package with a fan-out structure is formed. In some embodiments, the carrier tape 240 is removed after the dicing process.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the element 170 is stacked before the dicing process. In some other embodiments, the element 170 is stacked after the dicing process.

Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the chip package include only one of the semiconductor dies such as the semiconductor die 122A. In some other embodiments, the chip package includes two or more of the semiconductor dies. For example, the chip package may include the semiconductor dies 122A and 122B.

Embodiments of the disclosure form a chip package having a semiconductor die surrounded by a protective layer. One (or more) conductive layer is formed over the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The conductive layer extends across the interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The portion of the conductive layer directly above a die boundary region including the interface is designed to have a greater line width. The portion having the greater line width may have a higher strength to sustain thermal stress generated near the interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. Accordingly, the quality and reliability of the conductive layer are significantly improved.

In accordance with some embodiments, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor die and a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor die. The chip package also includes an interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The chip package further includes a conductive layer over the protective layer and the semiconductor die, and the conductive layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is closer to an inner portion of the semiconductor die than the second portion. The first portion is in direct contact with the second portion. The second portion extends across the interface, and the second portion has a line width greater than that of the first portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor die and a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor die. The chip package also includes an interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The chip package further includes a conductive layer over the protective layer and the semiconductor die, and the conductive layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is closer to an inner portion of the semiconductor die than the second portion. The second portion extends across the interface, and the second portion is wider than the first portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor die and a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor die. The chip package also includes an interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The chip package further includes a conductive layer over the protective layer and the semiconductor die, and the conductive layer has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion extends across the interface, and the second portion has a greater average line width than the first portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor die and a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor die. The chip package also includes an interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The chip package further includes a conductive line formed over the protective layer and the semiconductor die and having an interface-crossing section that extends across the interface and that has an enlarged line width.

In accordance with some embodiments, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor die and a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor die. The chip package also includes an interface between the semiconductor die and the protective layer. The chip package further includes a conductive layer over the protective layer and the semiconductor die. The conductive layer has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is closer to an inner portion of the semiconductor die than the second portion. The second portion extends across the interface, and the second portion has a greater stress resistance than the first portion.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A chip package, comprising: a semiconductor substrate having an edge; a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor substrate; and a conductive line over the protective layer and the semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive line has a first portion and a second portion in direct contact with the first portion, the second section at least partially covers the edge, and in a top view of the conductive line, line widths of the first portion and the second portion are different from each other.
 2. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the top view of the conductive line, the first portion has a first line width, the second portion has a second line width, and the second line width is greater than the first line width.
 3. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least a part of the edge extends along a first elongation direction observed from a top view of the semiconductor substrate and the protective layer, the second portion extends along a second elongation direction observed from the top view of the conductive line, and the first elongation direction is perpendicular to the second elongation direction.
 4. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least a part of the edge extends along a first elongation direction observed from a top view of the semiconductor substrate and the protective layer, the second portion extends along a second elongation direction observed from the top view of the conductive line, and the first elongation direction and the second elongation direction form an acute angle.
 5. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the edge, a peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate, and a portion of the protective layer adjacent to the edge together form a boundary region surrounding an inner portion of the semiconductor substrate, at least a part of the second portion is positioned within the boundary region, the first portion is not positioned within the boundary region, an inner edge of the boundary region is separated from the edge by a first distance, an outer edge of the boundary region is separated from the edge by a second distance, and the first distance is equal to the second distance.
 6. The chip package as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: a second conductive line over the protective layer, wherein: the second conductive line does not extend across the edge, the second conductive line has a segment positioned within the boundary region, and the segment of the second conductive line is narrower than the second portion of the conductive line.
 7. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the conductive line has a third portion connected to the second portion, the second portion is between the first portion and the third portion, the third portion does not extend across the edge, and the second portion is wider than the third portion.
 8. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate and the protective layer, wherein the chip package comprises no conductive line that extends across the edge, that is directly on the dielectric layer, and that has an edge-crossing section as wide as or narrower than the first portion of the conductive line.
 9. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate and the protective layer; and a second conductive line over the dielectric layer, wherein: the second conductive line has a segment separated from the edge by a first distance, the first portion is separated from the edge by a second distance, the first distance is shorter than the second distance, the second conductive line does not extend across the edge, and the segment of the second conductive line is as wide as or narrower than the first portion of the conductive line.
 10. The chip package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the second portion has a first part and a second part, the first part is directly above the semiconductor substrate, the second part is directly above the protective layer, and the second part has a length equal to or greater than that of the first part.
 11. A chip package, comprising: a semiconductor substrate having an edge; a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor substrate; and a conductive line extending over the protective layer and the semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive line has a first portion and a second portion in direct contact with the first portion, the second portion at least partially covers the edge of the semiconductor substrate, and in a top view of the conductive line, line widths of the second portion and the first portion are different from each other.
 12. The chip package as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a second conductive line over the protective layer, wherein the second conductive line has no portion extending across the edge of the semiconductor substrate, and the second conductive line has no portion wider than the second portion.
 13. The chip package as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first portion has a first line width, the second portion has a second line width, and the second line width is greater than the first line width.
 14. The chip package as claimed in claim 11, wherein the semiconductor substrate is a portion of a semiconductor die, and the conductive line is not electrically connected to the semiconductor die.
 15. The chip package as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a second conductive line extending across the edge of the semiconductor substrate, wherein: the second conductive line has edge-crossing section extends across the edge of the semiconductor substrate, the edge-crossing section has an enlarged line width in a top view of the conductive line, the semiconductor substrate is a portion of a semiconductor die, the conductive line is electrically connected to one of conductive elements of the semiconductor die, and the second conductive line is not electrically connected to the conductive elements of the semiconductor die.
 16. A chip package, comprising: a semiconductor substrate having an edge; a protective layer surrounding the semiconductor substrate; and a conductive line extending over the protective layer and the semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive line has an edge-crossing section, the edge-crossing section extends across the edge of the semiconductor substrate, and a portion of the edge-crossing section becomes narrower along a direction towards an inner portion of the semiconductor substrate.
 17. The chip package as claimed in claim 16, wherein the conductive line is electrically connected to a conductive element formed over the semiconductor substrate.
 18. The chip package as claimed in claim 16, wherein the semiconductor substrate is a portion of a semiconductor die, and the conductive line is not electrically connected to the semiconductor die.
 19. The chip package as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the edge of the semiconductor substrate, a peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate, and a portion of the protective layer adjacent to the edge of the semiconductor substrate together form a boundary region surrounding the inner portion of the semiconductor substrate, at least a part of the edge-crossing section is positioned within the boundary region, at least a portion of the conductive line is outside of the boundary region, an inner edge of the boundary region is separated from the edge of the semiconductor substrate by a first distance, an outer edge of the boundary region is separated from the edge of the semiconductor substrate by a second distance, and the first distance is equal to the second distance.
 20. The chip package as claimed in claim 19, further comprising: a second conductive line over the protective layer, wherein: the second conductive line does not extend across the edge of the semiconductor substrate, the second conductive line has a segment positioned within the boundary region, and the segment of the second conductive line is narrower than the edge-crossing section of the conductive line. 